Description: A revolution in popular motoring born in 1959, Issigonis's Mini was defined by its transverse engine and front-wheel drive; its Cooper variant, refined from 1961 by John Cooper, would give it its sporting credentials with its resounding victories at the Monte-Carlo Rally. It was this immense popularity – reinforced in Portugal by the local assembly of the car in Setúbal – that led the Portuguese manufacturer Metosul to include it in its catalog under reference 8, at the turn of the 1970s, at 1/43rd scale. The firm reproduced popular European models for the local market, in limited volume series, which explains the current value of its productions among collectors. The die-cast miniature seduces with its accurate silhouette, its well-rendered "moustache" grille, its bluish glazing, its perforated chrome steel rims and its black tires (black tyres), in the neat style of the first productions of the Espinho firm. Coming from a Lusitanian brand with modest print runs, it is now harder to find than its English cousins. The model offered unfortunately has two very visible chips. It must be admitted that, despite its thick, coat, the paint used by metals was not necessarily of very good quality. However, the model is entirely original, and has no other major defects. We obviously appreciate the presence of its original box even more. A nice collector's Mini, rare and well presented: a must-have.